It is important for patients of all ages to maintain their oral health and hygiene at home and in the dental office with routine visits. Dr. Leah Romay takes a comprehensive and functional approach to caring for her patients at Baltimore Dental Co.
She believes that good oral health reflects on your overall health. Learn more about maintaining your oral health to prevent dental concerns down the road.
Oral Health Tips
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing removes leftover food particles that feed the bacteria, as well as the bacteria themselves. Throughout the day, plaque is growing on the teeth, both above and below the gumline and in between the teeth.
Brushing will reach many surfaces of the teeth, but floss or a Waterpik is needed to reach below the gums and between the teeth. Additionally, brushing or scraping your tongue can combat halitosis or bad breath by removing bacteria that are living in the grooves of your tongue.
Limit Your Sugar And Simple Carbohydrate Intake
Sugar contributes to tooth decay because it feeds the bacteria that live in our mouths. These mostly harmless bacteria feed off of the leftover food particles on the teeth. Food that contains high sugar content causes bacteria to multiply even faster. Limiting the amount of sugar in your diet will help keep oral bacteria at bay.
Schedule 6-Month Or 3-Month Visits
At regular dental exams, Dr. Romay can detect early signs of dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease before they worsen. She can also use x-rays to see if your teeth and bone are healthy. For many patients, 6 month cleaning intervals is not enough and a 3 month interval is recommended.
Your cleanings will be personalized to you. At each cleaning or periodontal maintenance appointment, our skilled hygienists use ultrasonic instruments to gently remove bacteria buildup from your teeth. We guarantee it will be the best and most gentle cleaning you’ve ever had!
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains is the key to a healthy mouth. Dr. Romay advises that you should try to eat a rainbow of colors every day.
In particular, dark leafy greens are rich in natural chemicals that strengthen your immune system. Eating natural, unprocessed foods will promote the good bacteria in your mouth, which will then keep your teeth, gums, and bones healthy.
Common Dental Problems
There are many dental issues that Dr. Romay and her team can help you resolve:
Cavities: Cavities are caused by specific bacteria that break down the enamel structure of your tooth. Dr. Romay will analyze your unique situation and formulate a plan to address cavities and prevent new ones from forming.
Gum Disease: There are many factors that contribute to gum disease (periodontal disease) including oral hygiene, your immune system, medical conditions, and the types of bacteria you have in your mouth. In severe cases, gum disease can lead to loss of teeth.
Crooked and Misaligned Teeth: Plaque and bacteria can accumulate between crooked and misaligned teeth, which is why patients with crooked teeth are more likely to develop gum disease and other oral health problems.
Missing Teeth: If you do not replace your missing tooth or teeth, the remaining teeth may shift and cause overcrowding or drifting of opposing teeth. Additionally, when a tooth is missing, the biting forces are less evenly distributed, which can lead to cracking and fracturing of the other remaining teeth. In many cases, it is ideal to replace missing teeth, most commonly with dental implants.